Placement student testimonials

I was nominated by my university for the Ricardo Most Promising Female Engineer award. Following an assessment centre at Ricardo, I won the award and was offered a year placement for my Professional Training Year.

My role was in the Engine Simulation department, specifically in 1D engine simulation. I used WAVE (Ricardo software) to predict and optimise engine performance, improving fuel efficiency. I also did work in Integrated Model Based Development (IMBD), another sub-department of simulation that deals with more complex systems and model interactions. It was a great way to gain experience using software and improving my technical knowledge of engines.

I showed an interest in Project Management and was given the opportunity to do this alongside my work in Simulation. This was for a new hybrid/electric vehicle test facility on site; I learnt how to manage budgets and timing plans while also being involved in the technical discussions and decision-making. I had the chance to gain an insight into business management, marketing and M&A by shadowing other employees. I really appreciated how willing my colleagues were to share more about their role and experiences.

After my year at Ricardo, I am looking forward to returning to university with new engineering and management skills. Working at a global technical consultancy gave me an insight into more industries and possible careers than I could have hoped for from my placement year.

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James

For my industrial placement I spent a year working for Ricardo in the Business Development team. As someone with a strong interest in both the automotive engineering industry and business management, a role in Ricardo’s commercial division was perfect for me. Over the twelve months I have been involved in a diverse variety of projects and initiatives, working with Business Managers in developing relationships with our key clients, creating proposals for new projects, and generating new business opportunities in Europe and Asia.

Through this role I have also had the opportunity to work with multiple teams from within Ricardo’s Industrial & Automotive division, including Engineering and Test Operations, Project Management, and Marketing – enabling me to learn different skills from various experts across the company. I have also been given the opportunity to deal directly with suppliers and clients from all around the world, on projects ranging from transmission prototypes to full vehicle programmes.

I have benefited significantly from my time at Ricardo. The fast paced environment of working in a leading engineering consultancy, the variety of challenging projects to get involved in, and the responsibility and time given to undergraduates right from the first day make it a hugely rewarding and enjoyable place to work and develop as an engineer.

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Tom

I completed 3 placements at Ricardo throughout my degree, two as summer placements and one as a year-long sandwich placement. During these placements I spent time in Test Operations and Powertrain Calibration and Control.

My time in Test Operations included a summer and a year-long placement. Both were spent as part of the vehicle emissions test team in the role of a test engineer working to deliver critical development and certification testing as well as increasing the capacity of the facility through the introduction of a 24/7 operation. The role included responsibility for quality checking the data produced on each test, facility utilisation planning, as well as preparation of the documentation and procedures for the tests.

In Powertrain Calibration and Control I worked to track key features of the engine calibration development, by analysing data plots produced from the ECU data. I was also involved in the vehicle logistics of preparing the instrumentation requirements for 10 vehicles, making them ready for a climatic emissions trip with the client.

Through all three of my placements I have had the opportunity to deal face to face with many high-profile clients, work with industry leading software and technology, all while working in highly supporting teams. My placements benefited my degree in a plethora of ways, from supporting my dissertation to providing a hands-on understanding of key aspects of engineering.

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Sam

Following a successful and interesting work experience spell with Ricardo during school, I returned to the company for numerous undergraduate placements throughout my time at University. My first summer placement was with the Mechanical Development team, where I was given the responsibility of inspecting, analysing and reporting on the condition of disassembled engines tested during a Light Duty Diesel development project for a major European OEM. I developed a strong foundation of technical knowledge on various engine failure modes and wear patterns and the engineering tools used to predict and analyse them, alongside invaluable experience of professional conduct and workplace practice.

I returned for two summers and one full year placement all in the Calibration department, working on a wide range of projects incorporating calibration of both passenger cars and commercial vehicles; emissions optimisation; drivability development; technology benchmarking; and engine aftertreatment control strategy optimisation. Ricardo offers an exceptional environment for cultivating and sharing knowledge, rewarding diligence and integrity and encouraging an innovative approach to problems. I was given responsibilities to allow me to develop as an engineer with the guidance and client interaction needed to gain the combination of technical and commercial awareness necessary to be successful both in my studies and in the industry.